A Deeper Surveillance

I want to revisit a Scripture I mentioned briefly earlier in my blog. It holds profound significance. This merits a more in-depth exploration. This particular passage captures the essence of faith and understanding. It offers insights that can inspire and guide us in our daily lives. We can uncover layers of wisdom and application by delving deeper into its context. This exploration resonates with our spiritual journeys.

Acts 17:²² Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are {very religious;} ²³ for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: ²⁴ God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. ²⁵ Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. ²⁶ And He has made from one ^[j]blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, ²⁷ so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; ²⁸ for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ ²⁹ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. ³⁰ Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, ³¹ because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

When the Lord bestowed this revelation upon me, I was utterly taken aback! Long before I even laid eyes on this Scripture, I awoke one morning. Instantly, I opened my eyes. He softly yet powerfully declared, “You only opened your eyes because I allow it.” I was like, WOW! I got out of bed with excitement. Then, I was going to the kitchen to brew my coffee. In that same gentle tone, He continued, “You only put one foot in front of the other. That’s because I allow it.” I was just blown away—WOW! WOW! WOW! I reached my study room. Before taking a seat, I wiggled my whole body. I joyously exclaimed, “Only because You allowed it!” WOO! HOO! I was in awe.

~Verse 24 Notes~ does not dwell in temples made with hands. God dwells within each one of us, whether you’re a believer or not. This divine presence transcends physical structures and rituals, reminding us that spirituality is not confined to sacred buildings. Instead, it is a profound connection that exists in our hearts and minds. The essence of the divine flows through our thoughts and actions, shaping our interactions with the world around us. Each individual carries a spark of the divine. This is true regardless of their faith or lack thereof. We are all part of a greater tapestry of existence. This understanding invites us to explore our own spirituality. It encourages us to recognize the shared humanity that binds us together. We are urged to treat one another with compassion and understanding. This divine Oneness is in EVERYBODY! In the beginning, God declared the creation of man in His image and likeness. He granted them authority over all living creatures on earth.

Romans 1:20 states that God’s invisible attributes are evident in creation. These attributes include His eternal power and divine nature, intricately displayed through the beauty of the world around us. People have no excuse for disbelief. The evidence of His existence surrounds us. It is woven into the very fabric of life. We will not be able to have any excuses! Unless you are AI or a robot generated, the reality of our existence beckons for acknowledgment. I often ponder this with all the corruption within our land, witnessing firsthand the decline in morals and values. Or what about the serial killers? None of that is of God. Such actions stem from a profound darkness within heartless people. They have chosen to turn away from divine truth. To me, as I’ve watched over the years, something tragic happened to them at an extremely young age. This shaped their paths in ways that led them astray. So they chose the way of the enemy, perhaps out of pain, confusion, or even a misguided sense of power. God gave us choices; He doesn’t want to run us like puppets in a show. We make the choices; good, bad, or indifferent, and those choices often have profound implications. The Universe or God will give you the consequences in return, be they good, bad, or indifferent. If you choose to barter with the enemy, that’s your choice, that was my choice. I lived in the shadows for years. During that time, God crashed into my life in a profound way. He literally shook the foundations of my very being. He urged me toward a path of redemption and light.

~Notes Verse25~ Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. This is building of temples, statues, monuments, and such, which can sometimes detract from the true essence of worship. Physical manifestations of faith, like temples, can be beautiful and inspiring. However, they should not be mistaken for the divine nature of the Creator. Rather, we WORSHIP with our hands by engaging in acts of love, compassion, and service. We also praise and glorify the Holy One of Israel through our actions and intentions. Genuine worship transcends mere ritual. It is a heartfelt connection to the divine. It is an acknowledgment of His greatness. It recognizes our humble position in relation to Him. Thus, let our hands be instruments of His glory, reflecting our devotion and reverence in our daily lives.

~Notes Verse 26~And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings. Here it is UNITY of ALL men; one blood, and this right here clearly states for ALL nations! There’s not a soul that bleeds any differently than someone else. We all bleed the same! Nothing in life happens haphazardly; every event, every encounter, and every circumstance is intricately woven into the fabric of existence. It’s all determined Fellow Readers and myself, by “our” choices—conscious, deliberate decisions that shape our reality. Everything is within the choices we make, whether they are small everyday decisions or significant life-changing ones. What your reality is, is exactly what you’ll see. Our journeys intersect, and through these connections, we manifest a shared destiny. The idea is not merely a poetic notion. We are united by one blood. It is a profound truth that underscores our interconnectedness. Our choices ripple through the world, influencing not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. PERIOD!

~Notes Verse 27~ They should seek the Lord. The hope is that they might grope for Him and find Him. Though He is not far from each one of us. In Greek, the word ζητέω means zētéō, pronounced dzay-teh’-o. Its origin is of uncertain affinity but can mean to seek, literally or figuratively. Especially in a Hebraic context, it refers to worshiping God. In a negative sense, it can mean to plot against life. It can also mean to be about desire, endeavour, enquire, require, or seek by any means. This pursuit of the divine often involves a journey. It is both intricate and deeply personal. Individuals navigate the complexities of their existence. They do this in search of a greater understanding and connection. The act of seeking goes beyond mere questions. It embodies a profound longing for truth and purpose. It invites one to delve into the depths of their spirit. Engaging with this quest can lead to transformative experiences. It nurtures a sense of community and shared reverence. This occurs among those who are likewise on a path toward divine discovery. Ultimately, this seeking serves a vital role in human life. It helps bridge the gap between the mortal and the eternal.

~Notes Verse 28~ This verse talks about life; Live (ζάω) and movement Move (κινέω). It emphasizes our existence. We have our being (ἐσμέν). It highlights the poet (ποιητής) as a performer, who intricately weaves together the threads of existence and creativity. The essence of life is portrayed as a dynamic dance, where each movement reflects the profound interconnectedness of all beings. Through the lens of the poet, we are encouraged to explore the physical aspects of living. We delve into the deep emotional journeys. We also embark on the spiritual journeys that accompany our existence. The poet stands as a bridge between the mundane and the extraordinary. Art captures the essence of life itself. It inspires us to embrace every moment with passion and authenticity.

~Notes Verse 29~ Offspring γένος génos, ghen’-os. It comes from the Greek root that signifies a connection to lineage and ancestry. Its meaning is “kin,” which can refer to individuals or groups that share common attributes or roots. These attributes include being born, country(-man), diversity, generation, kind(-red), nation, or stock. This term encapsulates the notion of belonging and identity. It highlights not just familial connections. It also emphasizes the broader ties that bind communities together through shared heritage and cultural practices. Understanding this word within its historical and linguistic context reveals how kinship is a foundational element in social structures. It underscores the interdependence of individuals within a society.

Bottom line… We do nothing, not even exist without Him. Our very being is intertwined with His presence, as He fuels our thoughts, actions, and purpose. In moments of struggle, it’s His guidance that illuminates our path, reminding us of the strength we draw from Him. Each breath we take is a testament to His grace and love. This reflects the profound truth that we are never truly alone. Without Him, our lives would lack meaning, direction, and the joyful connections that enrich our journey.

Here is the flip side of this. My second ex expertly used Scripture to validate his abusive behavior. He manipulated verses to support his cruel actions. He also used them to justify his decisions. And at this time, I was not a believer; I believed in Heaven and Hell but not God or Satan! It was a confusing period in my life, filled with questions and doubts about faith and morality. A person may claim to know God, presenting themselves as a beacon of faith and authority. But if they do not follow His commandments, they are a liar. They deceive themselves and those around them. True love for God is shown through keeping His word, living a life that reflects His teachings and values. Those who abide in Him are expected to walk as He did. They should embody compassion, humility, and integrity in their daily lives. This is where we, as believers, have to be oh so careful. Many false prophecies and ministries exist. They can lead the faithful astray. These entities prey on vulnerability and desperation. We as believers should know His voice, discerning genuine guidance from deceitful manipulation. These people that claim they know when the end of the world is….NOT SO! Jesus does not know the hour or the day. The angels are also unaware of the hour or the day. Those who proclaim otherwise are simply spreading fear and confusion. Be aware, be very aware! It is essential to ground ourselves in true faith and remain vigilant against misleading teachings in our spiritual journeys.

There will come a day of reckoning! We don’t know when it will unfold. We don’t know how it will unfold. We do know that it will be a defining moment for all of us. Uncertainty hangs in the air. We must stay vigilant. It is crucial to prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for whatever challenges may arise. We just need to be ready. We must remain united in our resolve to face the trials ahead. We need to be equipped with the strength and wisdom to navigate the tumultuous path before us.

~Until We Meet Again Praise Be to the KADOSH! KADOSH! KADOSH! The Holy One Of Israel!~